Brainwave Optimization

The Technology

Your brain is totally unique – like a fingerprint. Brainwave Optimization (BWO) works with your own brain to bring it into the unique balance that is best for you. The brain changes when it experiences feedback about its state created by its own neural networks.

The training involves computer translation of brain waves into sounds that represent optimum patterns for brain function at a given location. The sounds vary based on how the brain is functioning, giving the brain the opportunity to observe itself. This encourages some brainwaves while discouraging others, allowing the brain to function more effectively.

The stress of daily living and traumatic events both recent and past can cause our brain to become unbalanced. Some brain areas work too hard, others are underutilized. The brain is dedicated primarily to keeping us alive and doesn’t always readjust after living through a difficult situation. The neural nets that were created to get through the difficult time persist, leaving an imbalance. Somatic psychologists might refer to this as incomplete fight/flight/freeze arousal that stays bound in the body and needs to be discharged in order to for the system to return to normal function.

Giving the brain the opportunity to observe itself by hearing itself in real time as sound, is like being able to see our self in the mirror. When we observe that our hair is disarranged or our collar out of place, we easily correct it when we see it. Brainwave Optimization gives your brain a similar opportunity through sound, one that is not readily available in our lives.

The benefits of meditation practice are becoming well known. Brainwave Optimization supports similar changes as experienced in meditation, and happens much more quickly. Studies in medicine and neuroscience claim that mindfulness practice helps physical and emotional health. People feel more connected to themselves and others. Neuroscientist Daniel Siegel claims that the outcomes of mindfulness correlate strongly with attributes of secure attachment. BWO could be considered a technology that facilitates the benefits of mindfulness. In fact when Lee Gerdes was developing BWO, he studied the brain waves of Tibetan monks to see the patterns of a balanced mindful brain.

How does this differ from other neurofeedback methods?

In standard neurofeedback, the provider compares the client’s brainwaves to a normative data base to establish what is considered a normal or healthy brain wave pattern. BWO uses ratios to encourage a balance unique to the individual.

Most neurofeedback programs work with the conscious brain to learn to control specific frequencies through repetition over a period of many sessions, often 40 to 100. The effects can diminish without further training. While neurofeedback can be effective it does not have the same capacity of BWO to respond to the natural drive to homeostasis, or stability.

Brainwave Optimization is a unique system that works with the understanding that anything that is observed can change. In BWO the brain is given the opportunity to observe itself and thus affect change within itself. It is does not treat a symptom or diagnosis; it deals with the entire person.

BWO works primarily with the subconscious and unconscious mind. This is a fit with the other modalities that we see being effective in creating change. Our system will re-organize itself to greater stability and balance when given the right conditions. What is best for one person will differ from what is best for another. Visualizations are used to support the process.

The BWO program allows for progress to be graphed after every session. This further individualizes the process and allows you to witness the evidence of how it is unfolding.

BWO is the next generation of neurofeedback.

Videos

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